If you’re looking to wow your guests with a dish that speaks of celebration and pure indulgence, look no further than this Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat. Each bite brings together succulent shrimp and sweet, delicate crabmeat, bound by savory herbs and golden breadcrumbs for a seafood masterpiece that’s both elegant and surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality classic at home, this recipe will surely win hearts and leave everyone craving one more bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat lies in its essential, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a pivotal role, adding flavor, texture, and color—so make sure to pick up the freshest options you can find for the best results!
- Jumbo Shrimp: These are the star of the show, offering sweet, meaty bites with a dramatic presentation—look for shrimp labeled as U-12 or U-15 for maximum impact.
- Lump Crabmeat: Use high-quality lump or backfin crabmeat for incredible sweetness and that delicate crab flavor that makes the stuffing irresistible.
- Breadcrumbs: They soak up all the buttery juices and add a beautiful golden crust—Italian-style or panko both work like a charm.
- Butter: For rich flavor and to keep the stuffing wonderfully moist as it bakes.
- Fresh Parsley: Brings lively color and a touch of herbal brightness, balancing the richness of the shrimp and crab.
- Lemon: Both zest and juice wake up all the flavors and complement the seafood harmoniously.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a gentle punch and aromatic depth to the stuffing mix.
- Egg: Works as the binder, holding the stuffing together so it forms a satisfying mound.
- Old Bay Seasoning: The classic seafood seasoning for just the right amount of Chesapeake-style kick.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in this dish.
How to Make Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining your jumbo shrimp, but be sure to leave the tails on for impressive presentation. Carefully butterfly each shrimp by slicing down the back but not cutting all the way through; this creates the perfect pocket to hold the luscious crabmeat stuffing later on.
Step 2: Make the Crabmeat Stuffing
In a medium bowl, gently toss together your lump crabmeat, breadcrumbs, melted butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, a whisked egg, lemon zest and juice, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Be gentle—over mixing will break the beautiful crab lumps. You want the stuffing to just hold together and smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Stuff the Shrimp
Arrange your butterflied shrimp on a lined baking tray, curved side down. Scoop a generous mound of the crabmeat stuffing onto the center of each shrimp and press lightly so it holds its shape. Curl the tail over the top if you like—a detail that always adds flair!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Drizzle a little melted butter over your stuffed shrimp, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for around 15 to 18 minutes. The shrimp should turn opaque and pink, while the stuffing turns golden with a slightly crisp top. The aroma will tell you when it’s just right!
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Right out of the oven, give your Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat a final sprinkle of fresh parsley and squeeze of lemon. The bright finish makes each serving look gorgeous and taste dazzlingly fresh.
How to Serve Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat
Garnishes
A little flair goes a long way! Serve your shrimp with extra wedges of lemon, a scattering of freshly chopped parsley, or a dusting of paprika for a pop of color. Even a few microgreens or edible flowers can take your platter to the next level for special occasions.
Side Dishes
This Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat pairs beautifully with a medley of spring vegetables, a simple green salad, or classic rice pilaf. For a more indulgent meal, offer creamy risotto or garlic butter noodles—your guests will be in seafood heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, serve the stuffed shrimp on a bed of herbed rice or atop a swirl of roasted red pepper coulis. If you want to impress at a party, place each shrimp on a tasting spoon for a sophisticated appetizer that’s easy to eat while mingling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extras, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors mingle and become even more delicious—the stuffing stays moist and the shrimp retains its sweet tenderness.
Freezing
For longer storage, assemble the stuffed shrimp but avoid baking them first. Freeze them in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for a weeknight treat that’s ready in a flash.
Reheating
To reheat, place the shrimp on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave to keep the stuffing’s texture just right and the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use smaller shrimp if I can’t find jumbo?
Absolutely! While jumbos offer fantastic presentation, you can use large shrimp instead—just reduce the stuffing quantity for each one and watch the baking time, as they’ll cook faster.
What’s the best type of crabmeat for stuffing?
Lump crabmeat is ideal for the Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat since it holds together and provides large, tender bites, but if your budget is tight, backfin works deliciously too.
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
You sure can! Mix up the stuffing a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready to stuff the shrimp, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes so it’s easier to work with.
How do I prevent the stuffing from falling out?
Be sure to butterfly the shrimp deeply enough to create a nice pocket for the stuffing, and gently press the mixture into the shrimp so it sits securely while baking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make your Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat gluten-free, simply swap out regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. All of the fabulous flavors will still shine!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s equal parts lavish and doable, this Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat is an absolute must-try. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself, you’ll adore how the flavors, textures, and eye-catching presentation come together. Give it a go—you’ll be amazed at the rave reviews it gets!
PrintBaked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat delivers elegant, restaurant-quality flavor with sweet crabmeat, buttery breadcrumbs, and tender shrimp baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo shrimp (U-12 or U-15), peeled and deveined, tails on
- 8 oz lump crabmeat
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko)
- 3 tbsp butter, melted (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Butterfly each shrimp by slicing down the back, being careful not to cut all the way through. Arrange curved side down on the baking tray.
- In a bowl, gently combine crabmeat, breadcrumbs, melted butter, parsley, lemon zest and juice, garlic, beaten egg, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork.
- Scoop crab stuffing onto the back of each shrimp, pressing lightly to secure. Curl shrimp tail over top for presentation.
- Drizzle with a bit more melted butter and bake for 15–18 minutes, until shrimp are opaque and stuffing is golden brown.
- Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Notes
- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Stuffing can be made a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to use.
- Freeze assembled, unbaked shrimp for up to 1 month—bake straight from frozen.
- Reheat leftovers in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to preserve texture.
- Serve on rice pilaf, creamy risotto, or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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